What challenges do you face in information systems research?

2 Choosing the research method

Another challenge that you may face in information systems research is choosing the research method that best suits your research problem, questions, and objectives. There are various types of research methods, such as qualitative, quantitative, mixed, experimental, case study, survey, action research, design science, and so on. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages, and assumptions and limitations. Therefore, you need to consider several factors when choosing your research method, such as the nature and purpose of your study, the availability and quality of data, the validity and reliability of your results, and the ethical and practical issues involved.

To overcome this challenge, you should familiarize yourself with the different research methods and their criteria and implications. You should also compare and contrast the different methods and evaluate their suitability and feasibility for your study. Furthermore, you should justify your choice of research method and explain how it addresses your research problem, questions, and objectives.

3 Conducting the data collection and analysis

A third challenge that you may face in information systems research is conducting the data collection and analysis in a rigorous and systematic way. Data collection and analysis are crucial steps in any research project, as they provide the evidence and support for your findings and conclusions. However, data collection and analysis can be challenging for several reasons. For instance, you may have difficulty accessing or obtaining the data you need, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the data, dealing with large or complex data sets, selecting and applying the appropriate data analysis techniques, and interpreting and reporting the results.

To overcome this challenge, you should plan and design your data collection and analysis carefully and follow the ethical and professional standards and guidelines. You should also use reliable and valid data sources and tools, check and clean your data regularly, document your data analysis procedures and decisions, and use appropriate visualizations and statistics to present and communicate your results.

4 Writing and publishing the research paper

A final challenge that you may face in information systems research is writing and publishing the research paper in a reputable and high-impact journal or conference. Writing and publishing the research paper is the ultimate goal and reward of any research project, as it showcases your work and contributions to the academic and professional community. However, writing and publishing the research paper can be challenging for several reasons. For example, you may have difficulty organizing and structuring your paper, following the writing style and format requirements, conveying your message clearly and convincingly, avoiding plagiarism and citation errors, and coping with the peer review and revision process.

To overcome this challenge, you should start writing your paper early and revise it frequently and thoroughly. You should also follow the instructions and guidelines of the target journal or conference, use clear and concise language and grammar, cite and reference your sources properly, and acknowledge your limitations and future directions. Moreover, you should seek feedback and advice from your supervisor, colleagues, and reviewers, and respond to their comments and suggestions constructively and respectfully.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?